Maldives President Office Spokesperson Abbas Adil Riza says he stands by his controversial comments made against the Indian infrastructure company GMR and the Indian High Commissioner D M Mulay last week.

The President office had distanced itself from the statement of Riza at a rally on 9th November, where he asked the government to take back Ibrahim Nasir International Airport from GMR.

Members of parliament had expressed concern over the remarks made by Riza, but President Mohamed Waheed Hassan Manik, in an interview to PTI on Saturday, said that the deal signed by the previous government was not in the interest of Maldives.

Meanwhile political groups in the Maldives continue to stage protests against the GMR contract.

The Maldives government has been asked by India to ensure the safety and security of its nationals in Maldives and Indian interests in the country in view of the ongoing anti-India demonstrations.

Indian High Commissioner told All India Radio that outstanding issues have to be sorted out between the company and Maldives government within the framework of the agreement.